Evidence Based Practice (EBP) is commonly defined according to Dr. David Sackett as “the conscientious, explicit and judicious use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of the individual patient. It means integrating individual clinical expertise with the best available external clinical evidence from systematic research.” (Sackett D, 1996)
EBP is the combination of clinical expertise, patient values, and the best research evidence integrated into the decision making process for patient care.
image from Duke University Medical Center Library and Archives
The evidence you will use comes in the form of research articles that detail a research study or multiple research studies. The levels of scientific evidence are based on the type of study and how it was conducted. Remember not all evidence is created equal!
The types of evidence found at the top of the pyramid have the least potential for bias and offer the highest level of evidence. The bottom of the pyramid has reliable information, but in the form of expert opinions and case studies that have a higher potential of bias.
This interactive chart will help you better understand these levels of evidence.
Infographic created and developed by the News Literacy Project and Dr. Katrine Wallace.